Which is the best World Cup tournament ever?
The 2022 World Cup made a serious case to be the best tournament ever. Upsets, dramatic storylines, incredible goals and the greatest player of all time won his first World Cup. A storybook ending to an incredible sporting event on the field.
The Final itself is worthy of history. Argentina defeated France in a thrilling game that needed penalties. Kylian Mbappé, the heir apparent to greatness, scored a hat trick. Two of his goals were penalties, yes. However, the middle goal of the three is a contender for goal of the tournament. Still, it was Lionel Messi, Mbappé’s PSG teammate who had two goals of his own on the day, that garnered the headlines. He led Argentina to the promised land for his first time and Argentina’s third.
To be fair, other World Cups had great stories, too. Brazil 2014 was a fun one that saw six games in the knockout round go to extra time. Brazil’s famous 7-1 loss led into Germany’s fourth World Cup, a win over Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Final. The 2002 World Cup also saw greatness. Ronaldo won Brazil’s fifth World Cup with a brace in the Final. However, that World Cup also sparks debate due to the controversy surrounding some of the officiating.
Then, going further back into the tournament’s history, the 1986 was the spectacle of Diego Maradona. Great goals, great performances and the Hand of God to make everything more up in the air.
What is the best World Cup in tournament history?
Many factors and biases impact one’s interpretation of the World Cup tiers. Argentina fans, unsurprisingly, would call 1978, 1986 and 2022 the greatest World Cups bar none. German fans would say 2014 holds a special place, even if it is something of a nightmare for many from Argentina.
As an American, I hold fond memories of 2014. Sure, the kickoff times went a long way as I did not have to wake up at 5 in the morning. Still, the overall energy provided by South America was a joy throughout the competition.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Chai v.d. Laage